Latest news with #AlanChan
South China Morning Post
3 days ago
- Climate
- South China Morning Post
High spirits as Hong Kong's Dragon Boat Festival kicks off amid strong winds
Hong Kong dragon boat racers are in high spirits for Tuen Ng Festival, despite strong winds, with tourism authorities expecting a 14 per cent increase in mainland Chinese visitors compared with previous weekends. A tourism spot, where the Stanley International Dragon Boat Championship is taking place, was packed with racing teams and residents on Saturday morning. 'The weather today is a little windy, which may affect our performance,' said Alan Chan, team captain of the West Kowloon Cultural District's Dragon Boat team. 'Given the wind, there could be big waves when we go out to the sea later, which would affect our results. The waves were not that big when we practised. We will do our best.' The team, joining the competition at Stanley Main Beach for the first time, said they had completed seven two-hour lessons to prepare for the event. While some may view the weather as an obstacle, others believe it can give them a boost.
Korea Herald
28-04-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
SMU wins prestigious THE Awards Asia 2025 – Teaching & Learning Strategy of the Year
SINGAPORE, April 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Singapore Management University (SMU) is proud to announce that it has been named Winner in the 'Teaching and Learning Strategy of the Year' category at the prestigious Times Higher Education (THE) Awards Asia 2025. The accolade was awarded in recognition of SMU-X, the University's flagship industry project-based experiential learning framework that integrates academic knowledge with real-world industry projects. Held annually, the THE Awards Asia celebrate innovation and excellence across higher education institutions in Asia. Often dubbed the 'Oscars of higher education', the awards recognise outstanding leadership, impactful initiatives, and transformative educational practices across the region. The accolade marks a significant milestone for SMU-X, pioneered 10 years ago as a differentiating pedagogy, underscoring the University's longstanding commitment to redefining learning through interdisciplinary, collaborative, and experiential approaches. SMU Provost, Professor Alan Chan, said, "We are deeply honoured to receive this recognition from THE Awards Asia, which is particularly meaningful this year as the University celebrates its 25 th anniversary. SMU-X has evolved over the past decade into a distinctive hallmark of our undergraduate and postgraduate education; it exemplifies our belief that learning should not only be rigorous but also relevant, connected, and transformative." "As we look ahead to the next chapter of SMU-X, we will continue to innovate and scale its impact. We aim to further integrate technology, expand global project opportunities, and deepen partnerships that deliver meaningful and impactful multi-disciplinary solutions. This prestigious award is both a celebration and a call to action," he added. In the citation, THE Award Asia judges noted that situating learning in the real world is an effective way to prepare students for success beyond university, and lauded SMU for having overcome the challenging practicalities of extending teaching outside the classroom. "SMU fosters a sustainable ecosystem of learning and collaboration that strengthens university-industry synergy and drives continuous pedagogical improvement," noted the judging panel. SMU-X – an innovative pedagogy that has gained global recognition Launched in 2015, SMU-X was designed to bridge the gap between classroom theory and industry practice. The framework, which spans undergraduate, postgraduate, and continuing education programmes, integrates academic coursework with experiential learning, enabling students to apply knowledge in practical settings. Students work in teams alongside industry professionals from corporations, non-profit organisations, government agencies and community partners to develop insights and recommendations, to tackle specific challenges that reflect evolving industry needs. Meanwhile, faculty members serve as academic mentors, guiding students through research, analysis, and solution development while embedding academic rigour into every project. By allowing students to work with peers across different disciplines, SMU encourages collaboration and cultivates the teamwork and communication skills inherent to interdisciplinarity. By exposing students to diverse sectors, perspectives and real-world challenges, SMU also prepares them to be effective global citizens beyond Singapore and the region. From a pilot of 58 students in two courses in 2015, SMU-X has grown to 40,000 enrolments in 170 courses a decade later. SMU-X has facilitated over 6,600 projects with more than 1,200 partners. In the current Academic Year 2024-2025, 78 SMU-X modules are being offered, with about 5,000 students partnering with organisations across all sectors, in Singapore and overseas. In addition to its local success, SMU-X has inspired global interest and institutional collaborations. The experiential learning model has been featured in global higher education forums as a best-practice case study in applied learning, and won multiple accolades on the global stage. These include the Green Gown Award 2024 - ' Next Generational Learning and Skills' category; and the 2024 QS Reimagine Education Awards – Gold award and Innovation in Business Education Award. - End - About Singapore Management University Established in 2000, Singapore Management University (SMU) is recognised for its disciplinary and multi-disciplinary research that address issues of global relevance, impacting business, government, and society. Its distinctive education incorporating innovative experiential learning, aims to nurture global citizens, entrepreneurs and change agents. Home to over 13,000 students, SMU offers a wide range of bachelor's, master's and PhD degree programmes in the disciplinary areas of Accountancy, Business, Economics, Computing, Law and Social Sciences, as well as in multi-disciplinary combinations of these areas. It also offers a growing number of executive development and continuing education programmes. Through its city campus, SMU focuses on making meaningful impact on Singapore and beyond through its partnerships with industry, policy makers and academic institutions.
Associated Press
28-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
SMU wins prestigious THE Awards Asia 2025 - Teaching & Learning Strategy of the Year
SINGAPORE, April 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Singapore Management University (SMU) is proud to announce that it has been named Winner in the 'Teaching and Learning Strategy of the Year' category at the prestigious Times Higher Education (THE) Awards Asia 2025. The accolade was awarded in recognition of SMU-X, the University's flagship industry project-based experiential learning framework that integrates academic knowledge with real-world industry projects. Held annually, the THE Awards Asia celebrate innovation and excellence across higher education institutions in Asia. Often dubbed the 'Oscars of higher education', the awards recognise outstanding leadership, impactful initiatives, and transformative educational practices across the region. The accolade marks a significant milestone for SMU-X, pioneered 10 years ago as a differentiating pedagogy, underscoring the University's longstanding commitment to redefining learning through interdisciplinary, collaborative, and experiential approaches. SMU Provost, Professor Alan Chan, said, 'We are deeply honoured to receive this recognition from THE Awards Asia, which is particularly meaningful this year as the University celebrates its 25th anniversary. SMU-X has evolved over the past decade into a distinctive hallmark of our undergraduate and postgraduate education; it exemplifies our belief that learning should not only be rigorous but also relevant, connected, and transformative.' 'As we look ahead to the next chapter of SMU-X, we will continue to innovate and scale its impact. We aim to further integrate technology, expand global project opportunities, and deepen partnerships that deliver meaningful and impactful multi-disciplinary solutions. This prestigious award is both a celebration and a call to action,' he added. In the citation, THE Award Asia judges noted that situating learning in the real world is an effective way to prepare students for success beyond university, and lauded SMU for having overcome the challenging practicalities of extending teaching outside the classroom. 'SMU fosters a sustainable ecosystem of learning and collaboration that strengthens university-industry synergy and drives continuous pedagogical improvement,' noted the judging panel. SMU-X – an innovative pedagogy that has gained global recognition Launched in 2015, SMU-X was designed to bridge the gap between classroom theory and industry practice. The framework, which spans undergraduate, postgraduate, and continuing education programmes, integrates academic coursework with experiential learning, enabling students to apply knowledge in practical settings. Students work in teams alongside industry professionals from corporations, non-profit organisations, government agencies and community partners to develop insights and recommendations, to tackle specific challenges that reflect evolving industry needs. Meanwhile, faculty members serve as academic mentors, guiding students through research, analysis, and solution development while embedding academic rigour into every project. By allowing students to work with peers across different disciplines, SMU encourages collaboration and cultivates the teamwork and communication skills inherent to interdisciplinarity. By exposing students to diverse sectors, perspectives and real-world challenges, SMU also prepares them to be effective global citizens beyond Singapore and the region. From a pilot of 58 students in two courses in 2015, SMU-X has grown to 40,000 enrolments in 170 courses a decade later. SMU-X has facilitated over 6,600 projects with more than 1,200 partners. In the current Academic Year 2024-2025, 78 SMU-X modules are being offered, with about 5,000 students partnering with organisations across all sectors, in Singapore and overseas. In addition to its local success, SMU-X has inspired global interest and institutional collaborations. The experiential learning model has been featured in global higher education forums as a best-practice case study in applied learning, and won multiple accolades on the global stage. These include the Green Gown Award 2024 - 'Next Generational Learning and Skills' category; and the 2024 QS Reimagine Education Awards – Gold award and Innovation in Business Education Award. - End - About Singapore Management University Established in 2000, Singapore Management University (SMU) is recognised for its disciplinary and multi-disciplinary research that address issues of global relevance, impacting business, government, and society. Its distinctive education incorporating innovative experiential learning, aims to nurture global citizens, entrepreneurs and change agents. Home to over 13,000 students, SMU offers a wide range of bachelor's, master's and PhD degree programmes in the disciplinary areas of Accountancy, Business, Economics, Computing, Law and Social Sciences, as well as in multi-disciplinary combinations of these areas. It also offers a growing number of executive development and continuing education programmes. Through its city campus, SMU focuses on making meaningful impact on Singapore and beyond through its partnerships with industry, policy makers and academic institutions. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Singapore Management University
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Global surge in energy innovation as TERA-Award draws record-breaking 785 entries
Alan Chan, Executive Chairman of the TERA-Award Organising Committee HONG KONG, April 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In a testament to the accelerating global push for climate tech solutions, this year's TERA-Award has drawn innovators from around the world, shattering previous participation records. The smart energy competition closed applications in early April with 785 submissions from 76 countries and regions—the highest in its four-year history. Behind the impressive statistics lies a tapestry of innovation across six categories, with Renewable Energy leading the pack. Competitors have submitted ideas across green fuels, hydrogen technology, smart energy systems, and sustainable infrastructure—all aimed at addressing the world's most pressing energy challenges. 'What we're seeing is a remarkable global convergence around energy innovation,' says Alan Chan, Executive Chairman of the TERA-Award Organising Committee. 'This surge in participation confirms that the TERA-Award has become a global platform for identifying and nurturing tomorrow's energy solutions.' The competition's international reach has expanded significantly. The US contributed 12.5% of entries, whilst the UK and India followed with 6.2% and 8.7% respectively. Applications from the Chinese mainland (18.1%) and Hong Kong (5.5%) remained strong, but the growing participation from Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas signals the global nature of the energy innovation ecosystem. Beyond its US$1 million grand prize, the TERA-Award has a proven track record of transforming ideas into commercial reality. Previous participant i2Cool recently closed its Series A funding with support from competition organiser Towngas. Its electricity-free cooling coatings are now deployed internationally, demonstrating the TERA-Award's impact beyond mere recognition. Similarly, Luquos Energy used Towngas's backing after participating in the competition to scale up its sulphur-based flow battery system, with a demonstration project now running in Shenzhen. These examples illustrate how the TERA-Award accelerates their solutions from lab to market. Attention now shifts to the judging phase led by Professor Cui Yi, a world-renowned materials scientist from Stanford University. The expert panel will evaluate the submissions on technological innovation, commercial viability, scalability, and potential global impact. Winners will be announced in July 2025, but for many participants, the real prize extends beyond the monetary award. The TERA-Award, empowered by Full Vision Capital, offers top teams access to industry leaders, potential investors, and strategic partners—resources often more valuable than the funding alone. For enquiries, please contact:The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited (Towngas) Tel: +852 2963 3493 Email: cad@ A photo accompanying this announcement is available at in to access your portfolio
Korea Herald
16-04-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
SMU Strengthens Career Readiness with Co-Curricular Transcript and Lifelong Career Support
SINGAPORE, April 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- At the SMU Co-Curricular Symposium – Nurturing Holistic & Career-Ready Scholars, Singapore Management University (SMU) reaffirmed its commitment to equipping students and alumni with the skills and resilience needed for a dynamic workforce. Education Minister Chan Chun Sing was the Guest-of-Honour at the Symposium and delivered the opening speech. As part of its 25th Anniversary celebrations, SMU proudly announced that its graduating class of 2025 will be the first to receive the Co-Curricular Transcript (CCT), a groundbreaking initiative launched in 2023. This milestone reflects SMU's commitment to nurturing graduates who are not only academically strong but also agile, self-aware, and ready for the demands of the modern workplace. Coupled with access to the newly launched Lifelong Career Support from 1 May 2025, all alumni can confidently navigate career shifts with confidence, at any stage of their professional journey. This is timely, with mid-career job transitions surging in Singapore and the recent instability experienced by the global economy. Delivering the opening address, Education Minister Chan Chun Sing commended SMU for its leadership in pioneering the CCT, outlining four key qualities that students should cultivate — Curiosity, Connection, Creation, and Contribution — to thrive in today's rapidly evolving world. " The Co-Curricular Transcript, in its rightful spirit, is for our people to better understand our strengths and weaknesses, and to know how to use those strengths to make a positive contribution to society. It is about finding yourself, understanding yourself, and using what you have to make a meaningful contribution. Speaking to an audience of over 200 educators, industry partners, and students, Professor Alan Chan, SMU Provost, said that he is proud that the University is setting the industry standard, and emphasised the University's mission in preparing future-ready graduates. "At SMU, we believe that learning extends beyond the classroom. As the first university in Singapore to integrate internships, community service, and global exposure as formal graduation requirements, we have always championed a holistic approach to education. "The Co-Curricular Transcript builds on this strong foundation by further strengthening our students' real-world competencies through enhanced co-curricular learning and empowering them to articulate their experiences with greater confidence and clarity. This will give our students a much-needed edge in today's competitive job market," he said. The CCT complements traditional academic transcripts by documenting students' holistic learning experiences. It categorises students' participation and growth into three progressive levels — Exposure, Integration, and Transformation — while awarding digital badges for attaining Graduate Learning Outcomes. As internships, community service and global exposure are formal graduation requirements for SMU students, the information could be effectively captured. This structured record provides employers with deeper insights into graduates' capabilities beyond academic grades. SMU's Integrated Co-Curricular Management System (ICMS) enables the CCT, allowing students to track their learning experiences, submit reflections, and receive educators' feedback. Early student feedback collected by SMU's Co-curriculum Development unit from over 200 students in September 2022 found that 81.1% agreed that ICMS features make their co-curricular involvement more purposeful, while 97.5% supported having a formal co-curricular record issued upon graduation. This initiative is particularly timely as skills-based hiring gains traction globally. According to LinkedIn, 73% of recruiters now prioritise competencies over degrees. In Singapore, 70% of employers place greater value on soft skills like communication and critical thinking than hard credentials. SMU's CCT bridges this gap by making these essential skills visible to prospective employers. " Today's hiring landscape is rapidly shifting towards a skills-first approach. Employers are looking beyond traditional credentials to assess a candidate's adaptability, leadership, and problem-solving abilities. SMU's Co-Curricular Transcript is highly effective in giving graduates a tangible way to showcase their competencies and stand out in an increasingly competitive job market," said Elsie Ng, Head of Singapore, LinkedIn. Since its inception, SMU has consistently pioneered initiatives that equip students with the skills demanded by employers. With 89.8% of SMU graduates securing employment within six months, the CCT further strengthens their competitiveness in a skills-driven economy. Employers are encouraged to look at the CCT not just as conversation starters, but also use the entries to learn more about the student's initiative, mindset and values to inform their shortlisting process. Unlike a report card or checklist, students are also guided to be more intentional about their choices of activities, and to more consciously develop a range and mastery of skills for possible alignment towards their professional goals. SMU Pioneers Lifelong Career Support as Job Market Shifts With mid-career job transitions surging in Singapore and 64% of alumni expressing interest in career coaching services, SMU is also breaking new ground by becoming the first Singaporean university to institutionalise lifelong career support. Effective 1 May 2025, fittingly, on Labour Day, all SMU [1] degree holders; undergraduate and postgraduate regardless of their graduation year, will have lifetime access to structured career support, a privilege traditionally reserved for recent graduates. This bold move aligns with national efforts such as SkillsFuture to strengthen career resilience and lifelong learning in an ever-evolving job market, setting a new standard for higher education institutions in preparing graduates for long-term workforce adaptability. For Richie Sison, an SMU MBA graduate (2021, Philippines), career coaching was pivotal in transitioning from finance to supply chain and operations. " SMU Career Services has been instrumental in helping me pivot from the finance industry to supply chain and operations. The advice and support from the coach has enabled me to land a role as a Supply Chain Manager at Amazon Singapore, which later opened doors for me to move to Uber Eats in Taiwan as an Operations Manager. The launch of life-long career coaching for alumni will be invaluable as we navigate through new career opportunities throughout our lives." "The workforce of tomorrow is being reshaped faster than ever, and universities must take the lead in ensuring graduates are prepared for it," said Professor Alan Chan, SMU Provost. "SMU is redefining what it means to support graduates, not just at the start of their careers, but for life. We are the first in Singapore to institutionalise and offer lifelong career support, ensuring that no matter how industries shift, our alumni always have a partner to help them adapt, grow, and thrive." The Co-Curricular Symposium has attracted significant attention from institutions across Singapore, including junior colleges, polytechnics and other universities — many of which are exploring similar approaches to documenting co-curricular learning. The foundations of the transcript were also developed in partnership with employers ensuring the relevancy of the learning outcomes. As a leader in transformative education initiatives, SMU is also the first university in Singapore to make community service a graduation requirement for all students since 2000, and we have collectively devoted more than 4.28 million hours in service towards the community.
